SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—On Wednesday, May 26, 2021, Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro officially dedicated the recently completed Summit County Veterans Memorial Plaza. Following installation of the World War II Memorial plaques outside the courthouse in 2018, Executive Shapiro’s Office began making plans to create the Veterans Memorial Plaza to honor Summit County residents who died fighting for the nation. Today, World War I, Korean War and Vietnam War plaques, featuring the names of fallen service members, join the World War II plaques and the World War I Doughboy statue. Additionally, the plaza is now home to a Soldiers Cross sculpture, honoring all Summit County service members, donated by local business owner and philanthropist Paul Thomarios.
“The Summit County Veterans Memorial Plaza serves to recognize the sacrifice of those who shouldered the burden for many and selflessly sacrificed their lives for our nation. Here in Summit County, we have a rich tradition of honoring and supporting those who served and I am proud to carry on this legacy,” said Executive Shapiro.
The Veterans Memorial Plaza was made possible due to a generous $25,000 grant provided by the Summit County Veterans Service Commission. In addition to the new plaques and sculptures, the plaza was remodeled using county funds to be handicap accessible, with new concrete sidewalks now allowing visitors direct access to the memorials. The plaza also has space to add other memorials in the future.
“Summit County Veterans Service Commission is proud to have helped turn the Veterans Memorial Plaza into a reality. For the first time, county residents can now visit and honor our fallen service members in one place,” said Larry Moore, Director of Summit County VSC. “As we enter the Memorial Day weekend, I urge the community to come visit these memorials and give thanks to the men and women who gave their lives for our nation.”
In her remarks, Executive Shapiro gave thanks to the Summit County residents who have laid down their lives for our nation and shared her hope that the Veterans Memorial Plaza serves as a reminder of the price we pay to safeguard freedom in America and abroad. She also thanked the individuals who contributed to the project including: Summit County employees Craig Stanley, Brian Clark and Don Allman, Larry Moore, Director of Summit County Veterans Service Commission, Jeff Affolter of M&M Electric, Bob Chordar of TC Architects, Joe Cozad of Krumroy Cozad, Lee Eisinger of Akron Metal Etching, Mike Marz of GPD Architects, Tim Perrin of Perrin Asphalt, Bruce Kilian, Army Veteran and Commander of VFW Post 349, and Paul Thomarios of Thomarios Group.
Executive Shapiro also presented Bruce Kilian with a proclamation recognizing him for his military service in the Vietnam War and his many contributions to the Summit County veteran community, including his pivotal role in completing the Veterans Memorial Plaza. Reverend John Schluep of Warriors’ Journey Home, a veteran support organization, closed the dedication with a prayer.
